Chamber seeks input on future of Hacienda Hotel in New Port Richey

A city workshop in New Port Richey will include discussion about the vacant Hacienda Hotel. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 5919 Main St. CARL ORTH/STAFF

TBO.com The Suncoast News

Published: March 6, 2013

Updated: March 18, 2013 at 10:07 PM

NEW PORT RICHEY -
The West Pasco Chamber of Commerce is asking its members to fill out a Pasco Economic Development Council survey about possible uses for the landmark Hacienda Hotel.
The historic building in downtown New Port Richey has stood vacant since 2006. However, two community cleanup events, held Jan. 12 and Feb. 23, are priming the hotel for possible use in the future.
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chip Wichmanowski sent out a plea Friday to more than 800 members asking them to answer questions on the online survey. The link is www.surveymonkey.com/s/haciendahotel.
"It shouldn't take more than a few minutes to complete," Pasco EDC President and CEO John Hagen wrote in a message. "Your answers will be confidential; however, you can add your contact information at the end if you would like to be kept informed of our progress and receive a copy of the survey results."

The city last year hired Pasco EDC to consult on development.
The first survey question asks for suggestions on uses for the hotel at Main and Bank streets. The survey supplies examples of community uses, such as a museum or community center, and business uses, such as a hotel, restaurants, shops or offices.
"Do you think New Port Richey should sell the Hacienda Hotel?" another survey question asks.
Respondents can answer how many times they might use a repurposed Hacienda and whether they would be willing to donate to a restoration fund.
A city workshop that will include discussion about the Hacienda is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 5919 Main St.